Back to EveryPatent.com
| United States Patent |
6,126,622
|
|
Darcey
, et al.
|
October 3, 2000
|
Medical splint product
Abstract
An elongate medical splint product is provided for being dispensed in
lengths suitable for a given medical use. The splint product includes a
multi-layer moisture-hardenable plaster substrate having first and second
opposed major surfaces. A soft foam cushion envelopes the first major
surface and opposed marginal portions of the second major surface of the
substrate. A moisture absorbent panel overlies opposed marginal portions
of the second major surface of the substrate and the cushion. First and
second spaced-apart rows of stitches extend along the length of the splint
product and through the marginal portions of the substrate, the foam
cushion, and the panel to bind the substrate, cushion, and panel together.
This forms a unitary bandaging product which can be dispensed, cut to
length, and applied without further assembly.
| Inventors:
|
Darcey; Thomas D. (Mooresville, NC);
Kelley; Ronald L. (Huntersville, NC);
Carpenter; David C. (Sparta, NC)
|
| Assignee:
|
Smith & Nephew, Inc. (Charlotte, NC)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
827164 |
| Filed:
|
March 27, 1997 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
602/5 |
| Intern'l Class: |
A61F 005/00 |
| Field of Search: |
602/5
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
| 4235228 | Nov., 1980 | Gaylord, Jr. et al.
| |
| 4442833 | Apr., 1984 | Dahlen et al.
| |
| 4502479 | Mar., 1965 | Garwood et al.
| |
| 4770299 | Sep., 1988 | Parker.
| |
| 4869046 | Sep., 1989 | Parker.
| |
| 4899738 | Feb., 1990 | Parker.
| |
| 5003970 | Apr., 1991 | Parker et al.
| |
| 5454780 | Oct., 1995 | Duback et al.
| |
| 6042557 | Mar., 2000 | Ferguson et al. | 602/6.
|
Primary Examiner: Polutta; Mark O.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Adams, Schwartz & Evans, P.A.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An elongate splint product for being dispensed in lengths suitable for a
given medical use, comprising:
(a) a multi-layer moisture-hardenable plaster substrate having first and
second opposed major surfaces;
(b) a soft cushion enveloping said first major surface and opposed marginal
portions of said second major surface of said substrate and defining an
exposed outermost surface layer of the splint product for residing
directly against and protecting the skin of the wearer;
(c) a moisture absorbent panel overlying said second major surface of said
substrate and opposed marginal portions of said substrate and said
cushions, said second major surface of said substrate and said moisture
absorbent panel residing in contact with each other and defining a
centrally-disposed moisture transfer channel for wicking away moisture
from the substrate; and
(d) first and second spaced-apart rows of stitches extending along the
length of the splint product and through the marginal portions of said
substrate, said cushion, and said panel to bind said substrate, cushion
and panel together to form a unitary bandaging product which can be
dispensed, cut to length, and applied without further assembly.
2. A medical splint product according to claim 1, wherein said cushion is
folded to define spaced-apart opposed marginal portions overlying the
marginal portions of the second major surface of said substrate and forms
a centrally disposed moisture-transfer channel therebetween, and wherein
said absorbent panel overlies the moisture-transfer channel and contacts
the substrate to absorb and wick moisture away from the substrate.
3. A medical splint product according to claim 2, and including a row of
center stitches extending along the length of the splint product through
the absorbent panel and substrate in an area of the moisture-transfer
channel for attaching the panel directly to the substrate.
4. A medical splint product according to claim 1, wherein said substrate
comprises a plurality of knitted or woven fabric layers coated with
plaster.
5. A medical splint product according to claim 1, wherein the moisture
absorbent panel comprises cotton fibers.
6. A medical splint product according to claim 1, wherein said cushion is
relatively thick as compared to said fabric panel.
7. A medical splint product according to claim 1, wherein said cushion
comprises an elongate tubular sleeve enveloping the first and second major
surfaces and opposed marginal portions of the substrate.
8. A medical splint product according to claim 1, wherein the width of the
moisture absorbent panel is less than the width of the substrate.
9. A medical splint product according to claim 1, wherein the splint
product is sufficiently flexible for packaging in roll form.
10. An elongate medical splint product for being dispensed in lengths
suitable for a given medical use, comprising:
(a) a multi-layer moisture-hardenable plaster substrate having first and
second opposed major surfaces;
(b) a soft cushion enveloping said first major surface and opposed marginal
portions of the second major surface of said substrate, and defining an
exposed outermost surface layer of the splint product for residing
directly against and protecting the skin of the wearer; said cushion
having corresponding opposed marginal portions overlying the opposed
marginal portions of the second major surface of said substrate, and
defining a centrally-disposed longitudinal moisture-transfer channel
therebetween;
(c) a moisture absorbent panel overlying said second major surface of said
substrate and the opposed marginal portions of said cushion on the second
major surface of said substrate and said moisture-transfer channel, said
second major surface of said substrate and said moisture absorbent panel
residing in contact with each other and defining a centrally-disposed
moisture transfer channel for wicking away moisture from the substrate,
said panel having a width less than the width of said substrate;
(d) a center row of stitches extending along the length of the splint
product through the absorbent panel and substrate in an area of the
moisture-transfer channel for attaching the panel directly to the
substrate; and
(e) first and second spaced-apart side rows of stitches extending along the
length of the splint product and through the marginal portions of said
substrate, said cushion, and said panel to bind said substrate, cushion,
and panel together to form a unitary bandaging product which can be
dispensed, cut to length, and applied without further assembly.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a medical splint product for treating injuries,
such as broken bones, requiring immobilization of a body part. The
invention is sufficiently flexible for packaging in roll form prior to
use, and is conveniently dispensed and cut to any desired length to
custom-fit the patient. After dispensing and cutting, the splint is dipped
in a water bath, and rolled and squeezed in a dry towel to remove excess
water. The splint is then formed around the injured body part, and wrapped
with bandaging to hold the splint in place as it hardens.
Conventional practice has been to fabricate a cast or splint upon an
injured limb by initially applying to the limb a protective covering of
cotton fabric or the like and then overwrapping the covering and limb with
a woven cloth impregnated with plaster of paris which has been wetted by
dipping in water immediately prior to application. This practice is still
in widespread use but possesses several significant disadvantages. For
example, the above-described application procedure is messy and time
consuming. Several components are required and considerable skill is
necessary.
The present invention addresses these and other problems of the prior art
by providing a unitary medical splint product which is conveniently stored
in roll form, dispensed, cut to any desired length, and applied without
further assembly. The invention includes multiple overlying layers of
plaster as a unitary substrate, and spaced-apart rows of stitching
extending along the length of the splint and through the plaster layers
from one major surface of the splint to the other. The stitching binds the
splint together, and prevents the plaster layers from shifting or
migrating as the splint is wetted and applied to the patient. The
stitching further ensures a smoother plaster surface, minimized plaster
loss, and promotes uniform lamination of the plaster layers and increased
strength.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a unitary medical
splint product which can be conveniently stored in roll form, dispensed,
cut to any desired length, and applied without further assembly.
It is another object of the invention to provide a splint product which is
sufficiently flexible for packaging in roll form prior to use.
It is another object of the invention to provide a splint product which
includes multiple overlying layers of plaster, and spaced-apart rows of
stitching extending along the length of the splint and through the plaster
layers from one major surface of the splint to the other.
It is another object of the invention to provide a splint product including
plaster layers which will not shift or migrate as the splint is wetted and
applied to the patient.
It is another object of the invention to provide a splint product which has
a smooth plaster surface.
It is another object of the invention to provide a splint product which
yields minimal plaster loss during and after application.
It is another object of the invention to provide a splint product which
promotes uniform lamination of the plaster layers and increased strength.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the
preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing an elongate medical
splint product for being dispensed in lengths suitable for a given medical
use. The splint product includes a multilayer moisture-hardenable plaster
substrate having first and second opposed major surfaces. A soft foam
cushion envelopes the first major surface and opposed marginal portions of
the second major surface of the substrate. A moisture absorbent panel
overlies opposed marginal portions of the second major surface of the
substrate and the cushion. First and second spaced-apart rows of stitches
extend along the length of the splint product and through the marginal
portions of the substrate, the foam cushion, and the panel to bind the
substrate, cushion, and panel together. This forms a unitary bandaging
product which can be dispensed, cut to length, and applied without further
assembly.
According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the foam cushion is
folded to define spaced-apart opposed marginal portions overlying the
marginal portions of the second major surface of the substrate. The
marginal portions of the foam cushion cooperate to form a centrally
disposed moisture-transfer channel therebetween. An absorbent panel
overlies the moisture-transfer channel and contacts the substrate to
absorb and wick moisture away from the substrate.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a row of center
stitches extends along the length of the splint product through the
absorbent panel and substrate in an area of the moisture-transfer channel
for attaching the panel directly to the substrate.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the
substrate includes a plurality of knitted or woven fabric layers.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the
moisture absorbent panel includes cotton fibers.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the foam
cushion is relatively thick as compared to the fabric panel.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cushion
is an elongate tubular sleeve enveloping the first and second major
surfaces and opposed marginal portions of the substrate.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the width
of the moisture absorbent panel is less than the width of the substrate.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the splint
product is sufficiently flexible for packaging in roll form.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other
objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the description
proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the splint product according to one
preferred embodiment in the process of being applied to the arm of a
patient;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the splint product with layers
of the substrate peeled back;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the splint product laid flat and showing
the outside surface of the splint product which resides away from the skin
of the patient;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the splint product laid flat and showing
the inside surface of the splint product which resides next to the skin of
the patient;
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the splint product;
FIG. 6 is an end elevational view of the splint product;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a splint product according to a second
preferred embodiment of the invention, and showing the outside surface of
the splint product which resides away from the skin of the patient;
FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of the splint product shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a splint product according to a third
preferred embodiment of the invention, and showing the outside surface of
the splint product which resides away from the skin of the patient; and
FIG. 10 is an end elevational view of the splint product shown in FIG. 9.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE
Referring now specifically to the drawings, a medical splint product
according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 and shown
generally at reference numeral 10. The splint product 10 is preferably
packaged in roll form, and conveniently dispensed and cut to any desired
length to custom-fit the patient. Alternatively, the splint product 10 may
be folded in overlapping lengths of a preferred dimension to fit within a
dispenser, or pre-cut to standard lengths and packaged.
After dispensing and cutting, the length of splint product 10 is dipped in
a water bath, and rolled and squeezed in a dry towel to remove excess
water. The splint product 10 is then formed around the injured body part,
and wrapped with bandaging to the product in place as it hardens.
Preferably, the splint product 10 sets in about 4-6 minutes and cures in
about 24 hours. The splint product 10 may be made in a variety of sizes,
such as 2-inch, 3-inch, 4-inch, 5-inch, or 6-inch widths.
As best shown in FIGS. 2-4, the splint product 10 is formed of a
multi-layer moisture-hardenable substrate 11 including plaster of paris
and having an inside major surface 12 which faces the skin of the patient
and an outside major surface 14 facing away from the patient. The plaster
substrate 11 preferably includes between 10 and 20 overlying layers of
knitted or woven, relatively open-mesh fabric coated with fast-setting
plaster of paris. According to one embodiment, the splint product 10
incorporates a plaster substrate manufactured by Smith & Nephew, Inc., and
sold under the trademark "Gypsona".
A soft foam cushion 15 envelopes the inside major surface 12 and opposed
marginal portions of the outside major surface 14 of the plaster substrate
11 to provide a comfortable, cushioning barrier between the substrate 11
and the skin of the patient. The cushion 15 shields any sharp edges of the
substrate 11 from the patient, and limits shifting of the splint product
10 on the body part. Preferably, the foam cushion 15 is about 1/4 inch
thick, and is formed of a flexible non-reticulated polyurethane foam which
is non-allergenic.
The marginal portions of the foam cushion 15 overlying the outside major
surface 14 of the substrate 11 cooperate to form a centrally-disposed
moisture transfer channel 18 extending longitudinally from one end of the
splint product 10 to the other. A moisture absorbent panel 21 overlies the
channel 18 and the marginal portions of the cushion 15 to rapidly absorb
and wick moisture away from the substrate 11, thereby increasing its set
and cure time. The panel 21 is formed of a fabric including
highly-absorbent hydrophilic fibers, such as cotton. The panel 21 is
preferably formed of cotton flannel with a raised nap.
According to one embodiment, a center row of stitches 22 extends along the
length of the splint product 10 through the absorbent panel 21 and
substrate 11 in an area of the moisture transfer channel 18 for attaching
the panel 21 directly to the substrate 11. The capillary action of the
absorbent panel fibers draws moisture outwardly from the substrate 11
where it rapidly dissipates over the surface area of the panel 21. The
width of the moisture absorbent panel 21 is greater than the width of the
channel 18 and preferably less than the width of the substrate 11.
As best shown in FIG. 6, first and second spaced-apart side rows of
stitches 23 and 24 extend along the length of the splint product 10 and
through the marginal portions of the substrate 11, the foam cushion 15,
and the panel 21 to bind the substrate 11, cushion 15, and panel 21
together to form a unitary bandaging product suitable for use without any
further assembly. The multiple rows of stitches 22, 23, and 24 extend
completely through the splint product 10 from one side to the other.
An alternative embodiment of a splint product 30 according to the invention
is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The splint product 30 is formed of a
multi-layer, moisture-hardenable substrate 31 having an inside major
surface 32 which faces the skin of the patient and an outside major
surface 34 facing away from the patient. A soft foam cushion 35 envelopes
the inside major surface 32 and opposed marginal portions of the outside
major surface 34 to provide a comfortable, cushioning barrier between the
substrate 31 and the skin of the patient.
The marginal portions of the foam cushion 35 overlying the outside major
surface 34 of the substrate 31 cooperate to form a centrally-disposed
moisture transfer channel 38 extending longitudinally from one end of the
splint product 30 to the other. A moisture absorbent panel 41 overlies the
channel 38 and the marginal portions of the cushion 35 to rapidly absorb
and wick moisture away from the substrate 31. The panel 41 is formed of
highly-absorbent hydrophilic fibers, such as cotton.
First and second spaced-apart side rows of stitches 43 and 44 extend along
the length of the splint product 30 and through the marginal portions of
the substrate 31, the foam cushion 35, and the panel 41 to bind the
substrate 31, cushion 35, and panel 41 together to form a unitary
bandaging product suitable for use without any further assembly. The side
rows of stitches 43 and 44 extend completely through the splint product 30
from one side to the other.
Unlike the splint product 10, the splint product 30 does not include a
center row of stitches. This embodiment is particularly applicable to
smaller product sizes, such as the 2-inch and 3-inch width sizes.
A further alternative embodiment of a splint product 50 according to the
invention is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The splint product 50 is
formed of a multi-layer, moisture-hardenable substrate 51 having an inside
major surface 52 which faces the skin of the patient and an outside major
surface 54 facing away from the patient. A soft foam cushion sleeve 55
surrounds the inside and outside major surfaces 52 and 54 to provide a
comfortable, cushioning barrier between the substrate 51 and the skin of
the patient.
A moisture absorbent panel 61 overlies the portion of the cushion sleeve 55
adjacent the outside major surface 54 of the substrate 51 to rapidly
absorb and wick moisture away from the substrate 51, thereby increasing
its set and cure time. The panel 61 is formed of highly-absorbent
hydrophilic fibers, such as cotton.
First and second spaced-apart side rows of stitches 63 and 64 extend along
the length of the splint product 50 and through the marginal portions of
the substrate 51, the foam cushion 55, and the panel 61 to bind the
substrate 51, cushion 55, and panel 61 together to form a unitary
bandaging product suitable for use without any further assembly. The side
rows of stitches 63 and 64 extend completely through the splint product 50
from one side to the other.
A medical splint product is described above. Various details of the
invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore,
the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and
the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of
illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation--the invention
being defined by the claims.
Top